Methodist College was founded in 1865 to provide a public school for pupils of all denominations. Opened in 1868, it has grown to be a very large grammar school with boarding departments for both boys and girls and two separate preparatory departments, each with 270 pupils. The main school is immediately adjacent to The Queen's University of Belfast; there are 52 acres of playing fields just over a mile away and a Boat House for the Rowing Club on the river Lagan within half a mile of the School. The premises comprise the original College Building, opened in 1868, part of which is used for boy boarders; McArthur Hall, opened in 1891 for girl boarders; the Whitla Hall, opened in 1935 and capable of seating 1,000; the Chapel of Unity, built to celebrate the Centenary in 1968; and a fine range of buildings for day school purposes of which three quarters have been built since the Second World War. There are twenty modern Science Laboratories; five Computing Laboratories; a Technology Suite; Language Rooms equipped with audio-visual devices; a music department with rooms for individual practice and 2 pipe organs; a fine library; 2 gymnasia and an indoor swimming pool; a new sports hall and new Art Department; and a large, modern VIth Form Centre.
Curriculum: With 141 full-time teachers the College provides education from the age of 4 to 19 for both boys and girls. In the grammar school, courses lead to the GCSE and 'A' Levels. A wide range of 'general studies' is available to VIth Form pupils alongside their specialist examination work. 85% of leavers go on to degree courses, and each year some 25 pupils go to Oxford and Cambridge. Religious and Physical Education, Games, Drama, Music and a wide variety of activities all have an important role. The strong pastoral tradition ensures a high level of support for day and boarding pupils. Weekend release is available to boarders.
